Apparatus for wrapping a roll of textile material or the like



H. COLSMAN Jan. 17, 1967 APPARATUS FOR WRAPPING A ROLL OF TEXTILE MATERIAL OR THE LIKE Filed July 2o. 1964 5 Sheetsheet l fsf, www n f" W im (IM AAAAAA V'1 1 Y IZ fila Jan. 17, 1967 H. COLSMAN 3,298,159

APPARATUS FOR WRAPPING A ROLL OF TEXTILE MATERIAL OR THE LIKE Filed July 20, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 la www Jan. 17, 1967 H. COLSMAN 3,298,159

APPARATUS FOR WRAPPING A ROLL OF TEXTILE MATERIAL OR THE LIKE Filed July 20, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Jn wn for HA@ 7 f (c (jf/U CZ f Jan. 17, 1967 H. coLsMAN E 3,298,159

APPARATUS FOR WRAPPING A ROLL OF TEXTILE MATERIAL OR THE LIKE Filed July 20, 1964 y 5 Sheets-Sheet L .7/7 ven/or H. COLSMAN APPARATUS FOR WRAPPING A ROLL OF TEXTILE MATERIAL OR THE LIKE Filed July am 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 United States Patent O M 3,298,159 APPARATUS FOR WRAPPING A ROLL F TEXTELE MATERIAL 0R THE LIKE HansColsman, Langenberg, Rhineland, Germany, assignor to Colsman & Kirschner, Essen-Kupferdreh, Germany Filed July 20, 1964, Ser. No. 333,710 Claims priority, application Germany, July 19, 1963, C 30,482; Sept. 25, 1963, C 30,964 17 Claims. (Cl. 53-380) The present invention relates to an apparatus for wrapping a roll of textile material or the like and more specifically to an apparatus for closing an end portion of a tubular wrapper of paper or similar material around a roll of material against an end face of the roll beyond which the end portion of the wrapper projects.

Apparatus are known by means of which a roll of textile or similar material is automatically enclosed in a wrapper of paper or the like, but in the known apparatus the roll of textile material is enveloped only at its cylindrical surface thereof with the wrapper, while the end faces of the roll are not enclosed by the wrapper. In these known apparatus it is therefore necessary, after the roll has been enclosed at its cylindrical surface by the wrapper, to fold the end portions of the wrapper, projecting beyond the end faces of the roll, by hand against the end faces, which requires an additional time-consuming manual operation.

Apparatus are also known which automatically fold the end portion of the wrapper projecting Kbeyond the opposite end faces of the roll against the latter, but these known apparatus are extremely complicated in construction, and these known apparatus also `unduly stress the end portions of the wrapper during folding thereof so that the latter may be torn during the folding operation.

Applicants invention aimed to overcome the disadvantages of wrapping apparatus known in the art and to provide for an apparatus adapted to fold the end portions of a tubular wrapper projecting beyond the end faces of a roll against the latter, which is extremely simple in construction and which will not unduly stress the portions of the wrapper during folding thereof.

With these objects in view, the apparatus of the present invention mainly comprises a funnel-shaped member arranged in axial alignment with the roll to be wrapped adjacent the projecting end portion of the wrapper thereon,

which funnel-.shaped member has a maximum diameter i greater than that of the roll and faces the end portion of the wrapper with its inner surface. The funnel-shaped member is mounted turnable about its axis and movable in axial direction toward the projecting end portion of the wrapper and a plurality of engaging means or wires are spirally arranged on the inner surface of the funnelshaped member so that the wires will, during rotation of the funnel-shaped member about its axis and advance toward the end portion of the wrapper, engage the end portion of the wrapper and fold the same in spiral form against the end face of the roll. Preferably, the arrangement includes also a pusher rod coaxially arranged with respect to the funnel-shaped member and movably independent from the latter in axial direction so as to engage a central portion of the folded wrapper and to push the same into one end of a tubular mandrel on which the material of the roll to be wrapped is wound.

The means for turning the funnel-shaped member and for advancing the same in axial direction preferably include a threaded spindle coaxially with and connected to the funnel-shaped member and which threadedly engages in a stationary nut, and driven coaxial wheel means operatively connected to the spindle for rotating the same about its axis.

The aforementioned pusher rod may be guided for Patented Jan. 17, 1967 ICC movement in longitudinal direction in a longitudinal bore of the spindle and the means for moving the pusher rod independent of the spindle may include spring means connected to the pusher rod, means. for stressing the spring means during movement of the spindle in axial direction toward one end of the roll, and means to release the stressed spring means after movement of the spindle through a preselected distance, so that the released spring means drive the pusher rod towards the center portion of the wrapper. Especially advantageous, however, is an arrangement in which the spindle which advances the funnel-shaped member serves also as pusher rod. This arrangement includes releasable coupling means connecting the spindle to the funnel-shaped member in such a manner that the latter is turned and advanced during advance of the spindle until the funnel-shaped member is stopped by engagement with the end face of the roll at which moment the releasable coupling means is automatically released so that the spindle may advance further without rotating the funnel-shaped member. In this arrangement, a preferably unthreaded end of the spindle will engage the central portion of the wrapper folded against the end face of the roll and push said central portion into an end of a tubular :mandrel on which the material of the roll is wound. The releasable coupling means preferably include a pair of complementary nut portions encompassing the threaded spindle rearwardly of the unthreaded portions thereof, spring means for pressing the complementary nut portions against `the thread of the spindle, and means connecting the funnelshaped member to said complementary nut portions for rotation therewith.

The releasable coupling means is preferably constructed in such a manner that during return movement of the spindle, after the Wrapping operation is finished, the funnel-shaped member is taken along in axial direction with the spindle, but at least during rotation of the spindle through substantially one revolution, not rotated by the spindle. This will prevent damage of the wrapper during return movement of the spindle and the funnelshaped member connected thereto..

The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will -be bestunderstood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross section through one modification of the apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a partially sectioned side view yof the apparatus shown in FIG. l and illustrating the various mem-bers of the apparatus in a position differing from that shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a `front view of the funnel-shaped member of the apparatus shown in FIGS; l. and 2;

FIG. 4 is a schematic side view showing aroll to be wrapped and apparatus as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 arranged at opposite end portions yof the roll;

FIG. 5 is a llongitudinal cross section of another modification of the apparatus of the lpresent invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross section taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 5 and viewed in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 7 is a cross section taken `along the line VII- VII of PIG. 5 and viewed in the dinection of the arrows; and

FIGS. 8-10 schematically illustrate various positions of the apparatus shown in FIG. 5l during the operation thereof.

Referring now to the drawings and more specifically to FIGS. l and 2 of the same, in which one modification of the apparatus of the present invention is shown, it will Ibe seen that this modification of the apparatus includes a funnel-shaped member 1 having at the inner surface thereof a plurality of engaging means or wires 1a connected thereto, Ispirally arranged with respect to the axis of the funnel-shaped member as best shown in FIG. 3. The wires 1a may be connected only at the end thereof 'closest to the axis of the funnel-shaped member or connected at opposite ends to the inner surface of the funnel-shaped member shown in FIG. 1, and the wires project `from the inner surface of the funnel-shaped member between the connected ends as best shown in FIG. 1. The funnel-shaped member is iixedly connected to one end of a threaded spindle i?.` coaxially arranged with a funnel-shaped member. The threaded spindle 2 is at a portion thereof rearwardly of the end to which the funnel shaped member 1 is connected formed with a longitudinally extending groove 2a. The right end of the spindle 2, as viewed in FIG. 1, is turnably mounted in a hub of a crosshead 19. The threaded spindle 2 extends through and is carried by a nut 3 which in turn is iixedly mounted on a frame or stationary support means 4 of the apparatus. A pulley 6 is turnably mounted on the outer cylindrical surface of the nut 3 and the boss of the pulley engages with one end the frame 4 and with the other end thereof a snap ring connected to the nut so that the pulley is held on the cylindrical surface of the nut against axial displacement. The pulley `6I is driven by means of a belt 7 from another pulley 8 which may likewise be turnably mounted on the frame 4 and `be driven by drive means not shown in the drawing. A drive member 6a is xedly `connected to the pulley 6 for rotation therewith and the drive member has a flat end portion engaging in the longitudinal groove 2a of the spindle to turn the latter during rotation of the pulley 6, while permitting advance of the spindle 2 in axial direction with respect to the 'stationary nut 3. A cross head 5 is turnably mounted on an enlarged front end of the spindle 2 and prevented from axial movement with respect to the spindle by abutting at one side against a shoulder formed on the enlarged front end of the spindle and at the other side against a snap ring fixed to said spindle. Opposite ends of the cross head are connected by tubes 20, respectively, to opposite ends of the cross head 19. Compression springs 12 are respectively arranged in the tubes 20 abutting with one end thereof against the cross head 19 and at the other end thereof against small pistons 11a slidably guided in the tu'bes 20 and connected by rods 11, respectively to opposite ends `of an additional cross head arranged to the right, as viewed in FIG. 1, of the cross head 19. Fixedly connected to a central portion of the cross head 10 is a pusher rod 9 extending through and being slidably guided in a central bore of the spindle 2 to project with its left end, as viewed in FIG. 1, into the funnel-shaped member 1. A pair of rails 13, extending substantially parallel to the pusher rod 9, are connected to the cross head 10 between the rods 11 and the pusher rod 9, respectively, which rails extend through openings 19a of the cross head 19, through corresponding openings 4a in the frame 4 and openings 5a are also provided in the cross head 5 so that the left ends, as viewed in FIG. 1, of the rails 13 may protrude through the openings 5a.

A pair of support members 14 is connected to the frame 4 at each opening 4a therethrough to opposite sides of the respective rail 13. A double-armed lever 16 is turnably mounted on a pivot pin 15 carried by each of a pair of support members 14 and one :arm of each doublearmed lever 16 Icarries a pawl 17, while a tension spring 18 connected at one end to the other arm of each doublearmed lever 16 and at the other end to the frame 4 resiliently presses the free end of each pawl 17 against one side of a rail 13. Each rail is formed on said yone side with a notch 13a having an end face 13b facing the free end of the pawl and being steeply inclined to the longitudinal `direction of the respective rail.

The apparatus as described albove will operate :as follows:

After the cylindrical surface of a roll of textile material or the like is enclosed in a wrapper with a. portion of the Wrapper extending beyond one end face of the roll, and after the roll with the wrapper thereon is axially aligned with the spindle 2, the pulley 6 is driven in such a direction that the spindle 2 and thereby also the funnelshaped member, is moved in the direction of the arrow P toward the end face of the roll whereby the funnelshaped member is simultaneously rotated about its axis. The end portion of the tubular Wrapper extending beyond the end face of the roll will during this movement of the funnel-shaped member 1 be engaged by the Wires 1a and be folded in spiral `form against the end face. The unit formed by the cross heads 5 and 19 and the tubes 2.0 connected thereto will, during movement of the spindle 2 in direction of the arrow P likewise be moved in this direction and during an initial part of the movement of the aforementoned unit toward the left, as viewed in FIG. 1, the springs 12 in the tubes 20 engaging the pistons 11a will also take the cross head 10 and the rails 13 connected thereto along to move the rails 13 towards to the left, as viewed in FIG. 1, until the free ends of the latches 17 engage with the steep end faces 13b of the notches 13a in the rails 13. This engagement of the latches 17 with the end faces 13b of the latches temporarily stops movement of the rails 13 and therewith movement of the pistons 11a so that compression coil springs 12 in the tubes will be compressed during further movement of the cross head 19 with the spindle towards the left, as viewed in FIG. 1. The force of the compressed springs 12 is transmitted through rods 11, cross head 10 and the end face 13b of the rails 13 to the latches 17 tending thereby the double-armed levers 16 to turn about their pivot pins 15 against the tension of the `springs 18, and, after the compression of these springs 12 reaches a certain magnitude, the double-armed levers will b-e turned about their pivot axis to release the pawls 17 so that the cross head 10 and the pusher rod 9 connected thereto will be driven by the action of the compressed springs 12 towards the left, as viewed in FIG. 1, so that the left end of the pusher rod will engage a central portion of the folded wrapper and push the same into one end of a hollow mandrel on which the roll of textile material is wound.

FIG. 2 shows the apparatus shortly before the pawls 17 move out of the cutouts 13a in the rails 13.

FIG. 4 shows schematically a roll of textile material or the like S, the cylindrical surface thereof is surrounded by a wrapper having end portions F projecting beyond the opposite end faces of the roll S. FIG. 4 shows also two apparatus V as described above in connection with FIGS. 1-3, respectively larranged at opposite end portions F of the wrapper.

The Iroll S is initially supported on two parallel elongated rollers R, only the front one is shown in FIG. 4, while a wrapper of paper or like material is Wound in a known manner about the roll S with the end portions F of the wrapper projecting beyond the opposite end faces of the roll S.

Two plungers U are arranged between the elongated rollers R movable in direction substantially normal to the roller axis and cooperating with upper plungers O for aligning the axis of the roll S, respectively the axis of the hollow mandrel W on which the material of the roll S is wound, with the axes of the pusher rods 9 of the apparatus V respectively located at opposite ends F of the wrapper. The means for moving the plungers U and O are not shown in FIG. 4 and it is pointed out that these means for aligning the axis of the roller S with the axes of the plunger 9 does not form part of the present invention.

A feeler A moving `downwardly together with the upper plungers O operates a switch Sch to stop the moving mechanism of the plungers O and U and the downward movement of the mechanism B when the axis of the roll S is aligned with the axes of the two plungers 9 of the apparatus V. At the same time the apparatus V and the devices B by means of which the edges of the cylindrical portion of the wrapper `surrounding the material of the roll S are adhesively connected, are actuated. When the wrapper is formed fnom thermoplastic material, then the devices B may be constituted by elongated heating ymeans which abut against longitudinal edges of the wrapper and which may be controlled also by the feeler A or the switch Sch.

FIG. 4 shows also in dash-dotted lines the wrapper folded against the two end faces of the roll S and the central portion E of the Wrapper pushed by the pusher rods 9 into the opposite ends of the tubular mandrel W `on which the material of the Vroll is Wound.

FIGS. 5-10 show another modification 'of the apparatus of the present invention. The modification illustrated in these figures also includes a funnel-shaped member 1 arranged on a threaded spindle 2 which is tu-rnably mounted in a nut 3 fxedly carried `by the frame or support means 4. A plurality of wires 1a, only one is shown in FIG. 5, which are spirally arranged with respect to the axis 'of the funnel-shaped member in a manner as illustrated in FIG. 3 and which are connected to and project from the inner surface of the funnel-shaped member 1 as 'best shown in FIG. 5. A sprocket wheel 26 is turnably mounted on the cylindrical outer surface of the nut 3, the hub orf which abuts at the left side thereof, as viewed in FIG. 5, against .a shoulder of the nut and is se-cured against axial displacement towards the right by snap ring. The sprocket wheel 26 is driven over a chain 27 from another sprocket wheel 28, which in turn is mounted and driv-en by any means known in the art, but not shown in the drawing. A driver member 2Gb is ixedly connected by means of a screw to the hub of the sprocket wheel I26 and the driver member has a dat end portion 26a which engages `into a longitudinal ignoove 2a formed in the spindle to the right, as viewed in FIG. 5, of the nut 3. A stop disc 25 is fixedly connected by means of a screw to the rear or right end, as viewed in FIG. 5, of the spindle.

The spindle 2 is formed at its left end, as viewed in FIG. 5, with a reduced diameter portion on which roller bearing 29 is mounted, which in turn turnafbly supports an Unthreaded spindleportion 29a which extends, in the position of the various members of the apparatus as illustrated in FIG. 5, into the small diameter end of the funnel-shaped member 1.

A nut 3d formed by two complementary, substantially half cylindrical nut portions is mounted on the spindle 2 between the nut 3 and the turnable spindle portion 29e. The outer cylindrical surface of the two complementary nut portions 30 is formed with an annular groove in which -a split annular leaf spring 31 is located, as best shown in FIG. 6, which presses the two complementary nut portions against the thread of the spindle 2. Each of the complementary nut halves of the two-part nut 30 is provided on its left end face, as viewed in FIG. 5, with a projection 30a which respectively engage in corresponding cutouts 32a of a sleeve 32 mounted on the outer cylindrical surface of the two-part nut 3i), as best shown in FIG. 7. The sleeve 32 is provided at its outer surface and at its end facing the funnel-shaped member 1 with a radially extending projection 3211, which engages and cooperates with a pin 33a projecting in axial direction from a hub 33 fixed, such as for instance by welding, to the outer surface of the tubular member 1 at the small diameter end thereof. A roller bearing 35 is mounted between the rearwardly extending annular portion of the hub 33 and the outer surface of the sleeve 32, which roller bearing is fixed against annular displacement by a snap rin 34.

'lghe roller bearings 29 and 35 are constructed to absorb radial as well as axial forces.

The apparatus illustrated in FIG. 5-10' operates as follows:

The sprocket wheel 26 is rotated by means of the chain drive 27, 28. The driver member 2619 rotates with the sprocket wheel 26 and transmits this rotation through its projection 26a engaging in the longitudinal groove 2a of the spindle 2 to t-he latter so that the spindle engaging in the stationary nut 3 is longitudinally moved during its rotation in the direction of the arrow P. Since the twopart nut 30 is pressed by the pressure of the annular spring 31 against the thread of the spindle 2, the two-part nut 30 rotates with the spindle, which rotation is transmitted through the projections 30a to the sleeve 32 which in turn transmits the drive by means of the projections 32b and the `pin 33a to the hub 33 of the funnel-shaped member 1 which therefore rotates with the spindle and is advanced in the direction of the arrow P. The end portion of a tubular wrapper projecting beyond the end face of a roll to be wrapped and coaxially arranged with the axis of the spindle 2 in the manner as shown in FIG. 4 and described above, is engaged during this forward and rotational movement of the funnel-shaped member 1 by the wires 1a so that the projecting end portion of the wrapper is spirally folded and pressed at the same time by the funnel-shaped member 1 against the end face of the roll. When the inner surface of the funnel-shaped member 1 presses the wrapper tightly against the end face of the roll, friction will be created between the tubular member 1 and the folded wrapper which overcomes the pressure of the annular leaf spring 31 so that `the releasable coupling formed by the two-part nut 30 and the annular spring 31 is released and so that the driven spindle 2 may move further in the direction of the arrow P without taking the funnel-shaped member 1 along. During this part of the spindle movement,`the spindle portion 29a will engage a central portion of the folded wrapper and press the same into a tubular mandrel on which the material of the roll is wound.

The spindle end portion 29a on the main portion of the spindle by means of the roller bearing 29 will during this part of the spindle movement not rotate.

The forward stroke of the spindle is limited by the stop plate 25 and when the latter engages the drive member 26h, the drive of the spindle is reversed by any means known in the art, not shown in the drawing. The funnelshaped member 1 is during reverse of the spindle movement disengaged from the folded wrapper, but the funnelshaped member is during the rst part of the reverse movement of the spindle not rotated since the radial projec-tion 32k on the sleeve 32 will, during the first part of the rotation of the spindle in opposite direction, become disengaged from the pin 33a on the hub 33 of the funnelshaped member and engagement between projections 32h and the pins 33a will occur again only after a substantially full revolution of lthe spindle 2 in return direction.

The two-part nut 30, the sleeve 32 and the hub 33 with the funnel-shaped member are taken along during further return movement of the spindle until the sleeve 32 abuts with its right end, as viewed in FIG. 5, against the left end face of the fixed nut 3. The spindle itself continues its return movement, while overcoming the pressure of the annular spring 31, until it reaches the end position as shown in FIG. 5 in which the end of the longitudinal groove 2a of the spindle is located in the region of the projection 26a of the driver member 2617.

The tension of the annular leaf spring 31 is chosen in such a manner that the wrapper is properly folded during the advance of `the funnel-shaped member 1 and pressed against the end face of the roll without causing any damage to the wrapper.

FIGS. 8-10 schematically show the apparatus as illustrated in FIGS. 5-7 in successive operating positions.

FIG. 8 shows the apparatus in rest position and this figure shows also the arrangement of `the roll 36 on a tubular mandrel 37 and wrapped by a` wrapper which projects with a tubular 4portion 32 beyond the end face 36a of the roll. The funnel-shaped member of the wrapping apparatus is arranged adjacent and coaxial with the projecting part 38- of the wrapper.

In order to fold the projecting part 3S of the wrapper against the end face 36a of the roll 36, the spindle 2 is driven in the manner as described above to advance in the direction of the arrow i), whereby the spindle takes iirst the funnel-shaped member 1 along while rotating the latter.

FIG. 9 shows the funnel-shaped member l in its advanced position in which it engages the end face 36a lof the roll and in this position the projecting part 38 of the tubular wrapper is folded against the end face 36a of the roll while the central portion of the wrapper is not yet pressed into the tubular mandrel 37.

The friction thus created between the funnel-shaped member 1 and the wrapper folded against the end face of the roll causes release of t-he releasable coupling between the funnel-shaped member 1 and the spindle 2, in the manner as described above, so that the spindle may move independent of the funnel-shaped member further in direction of the arrow P. During this last part o-f the forward movement of the spindle, the en-d portion thereof will engage a central portion of the folded wrapper and press the same in the end of the tubular mandrel 17 as shown in FIG. 10.

It will be understood that each' of the elements described .above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of Wrapping .apparatus differing from the types described above.

While the invention has kbeen illustrated and described as embodied in an apparatus for closing the end portion of a tubular wrapper of paper or similar material around a roll of material wound on a tubular -mandrel against an end face of the roll beyond which the end portion of the wrapper projects, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes maybe made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the p-resent invention that others can by .applying current knowledge readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characte-ristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention, and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of the following claims.

What is claimed as new and desired `to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. Apparatus for folding an end portion of a tubular wrapper of paper or similar material around a roll of material against an end face of the roll beyond which the end portion of the wrapper projects comprising, in combination, support means; a funnel-shaped member mounted on said support means turnable about its axis and movable in axial direction and a-rranged in axial alignment with the lroll .adjacent the projecting end portion of the wrapper, said funnel-shaped member having a maximum diameter greater than that of the roll and facing the end portion of the wrapper with its inner surface; a plurality of engaging means xedly carried by and projecting from the inner surface of said funnel-shaped member spirally arranged with respect to the axis thereof; and means for rotating said funnel-shaped member about its axis and for moving the same in axial direction toward the end of the roll so that said engaging means engage the end portion of the tubular wrapper and fold the same in spiral form against the end face of the roll.

2. Apparatus for folding an end portion of a tubular wrapper of paper or similar material around a roll of material against an end face of the roll beyond which the end portion of the wrapper projects comprising, in combination, support means; a funnel-shaped member mounted on said support means turnable about its axis and movable in axial direction and arranged in axial alignment with the roll adjacent the projecting end portion of the wrapper, said funnel-shaped member having a maximum diameter greater than that of the roll and facing the end portion of the wrapper with its inner surface; a plurality of wires spirally arranged with respect to 4the axis of said funnel-shaped member, each connected at least at one end thereto and each projecting from the connected end away from the inner surface of said funnelshaped member, and means for rotating said funnelshaped member about its axis and for moving the same in axial direction toward the end of the roll so that said engaging means engage the end portion of the tubular wrapper and fold the same in spiral form against the end face of the roll.

3. Apparatus for folding an end portion of a tubular wrapper of paper or similar material around a roll of material wound around a tubular mandrel against an end face of the roll beyond which the end portion 4of the wrapper projects comprising, in combination, support means; a funnel-shaped member mounted on said support means turnable about its axis and movable in axial direction and arranged in axial alignment with the roll adjacent the projecting end portion of the wrapper, said funnel-shaped member having a maximum diameter greater than that of the roll and facing the end portion of the wrapper with its inner surface; a plurality of wires spirally ar- `ranged with respect to the axis of said funnel-shaped member, each connected at least at one end thereto and each projecting from the connected end away from the inner surface of said funnel-shaped member; .a pusher rod coaxially arranged with said funnel-shaped member; means for rotating said funnel-shaped member about its axis and for moving the same in axial direction toward the end of the roll so that said engaging means engage the end portion of the tubular wrapper and fold the same in spiral form against the end face of the roll; and means for moving said pusher rod in axial direction independent of the movement o fsaid funnel-shaped member for pushing a central portion of the wrapper folded against the end face of the roll into an end of the tubular mandrel.

4. Apparatus for folding an end portion of a tubular wrapper of paper or similar material around a roll of material against an end face of the roll beyond which the end portion of the Wrapper projects comprising, in combination, support means; a nut tixedly mounted on said support means in substantial axial alignment with and spaced from one end of the roll; a threaded spindle extending through and threadingly engaging said nut; a funnel-shaped member mounted on one end of said spindle substantially coaxial there-with and arranged in axial alignment with the roll adjacent the projecting end portion of the wrapper, said funnel-shaped member having a maximum diameter greater than that of the roll and facing the end portion of the wrapper with its inner surface; a plurality of Wires spirally arranged with respect to the axis of said funnel-shaped member, each connected at least at one end thereto and each projecting from the connected end away from the inner surface of said funnelshaped member; and means for rotating said spindle about its axis so as to turn said funnel-shaped member about its axis and to advance it in axial direction towards the end portion of the tubular wrapper, so that said wires engage the end portion of the tubular wrapper and fold the same in spiral form against the end face of the roll.

5. Apparatus for folding an end portion of a tubular wrapper of paper or similar material around a roll of material against an end face of the roll beyond which the end portion of the wrapper projects comprising, in cornbination, support means; a nut fixedly mounted on said support means in substantial axial alignment with and spaced from one and nf the roll: a threaded spindle exzmanw through and threadingly engaging said nut; a fun- "ql-shaned member mounted on one end of said spindle slbstantially coaxial therewith and arranged in axial align-` uent with the roll adjacent the projecting end portion of the wrapper, said funnel-shaped member having a maximum diameter greater than that of the roll and facing the end portion of the wrapper with its inner surface; a plurality of wires spirally arranged with respect to the axis of said funnel-shaped member, each connected at least at one end thereto and each projecting from the connected end away from the inner surface of said funnel-shaped member; wheel means turnably carried by said support means coaxial with said spindle; coupling means fixed to said wheel means for rotation therewith and operatively connected to said spindle for turning the sarne about its axis while permitting axial movement of said spindle with respect to said wheel means; and means for rotating said wheel means about its axis so as to turn said funnelshaped member about its axis and to advance it in axial direction towards the end portion of the tubular wrapper, so that said wires engage the end portion of the tubular wrapper and fold the same in spiral form against the end face of the roll.

6. Apparatus for folding an end portion of a tubular wrapper of paper or similar material around a roll of material wound around a tubular mandrel against an end face of the roll beyond which the end portion of the wrapper projects comprising, in combination, support means; a nut lixedly mounted on said support means in substantial alignment with and spaced from one end of the roll; a hollow sprindle provided with an outer screw thread extending through said nut and threadingly engaging the same; a funnel-shaped member mounted on one end of said spindle substantially coaxial therewith, said funnelshaped member having a maximum diameter greater than that of the roll and facing the end portion of the wrapper with its inner surface; a plurality of wires spirally arranged with respect to the axis of said funnel-shaped member, connected at least at one end thereof thereto and each-projecting from the connected end away from the inner surface of said funnel-shaped member; means for rotating said spindle about its axis so as to turn said funnel-shaped member about its axis and to advance it in axial direction towards the end portion of said tubular wrapper so that said wires engage the end portion of said tubular wrapper and fold the same in spiral form against the end face of the roll; a pusher rod located in said hollow spindle and slidably guided therein in axial direction; and means for moving said pusher rod in axial direction independent of the movement of said funnel-shaped member for pushing a central portion of the wrapper folded against the end face of the roll into one end of the tubular mandrel, said last mentioned means including spring means connected to said pusher rod, means for stressing said spring means during movement of said spindle in axial direction toward said one end of the roll, and means to release the stressed spring means` after movement of said spindle through a preselected distance so that said released spring means drives said pusher rod toward the central portion of they wrapper.

7. Apparatus for folding an end portion of a tubular wrapper of paper or similar material around a roll of material wound around a tubular mandrel against an end face of the roll beyond which the end portion of the wrapper projects comprising, in combination, support means; a nut fixedly mounted on said support means in substantial alignment with and spaced from one end of the roll; a hollow sprindle provided with an outer screw thread extending through said nut and threadingly engaging the same; a funnel-shaped member mounted on one end of said spindle substantially coaxial there-with, said funnel-shaped member having a maximum diameter greater than that of the roll and facing the end portion of the wrapper with its inner surface; a plurality of wires spirally arranged with respect to the axis of said funnel-shaped member, connected at least at one end thereof thereto and each projecting from the connected end away from the inner surface of said funnel-shaped member; means for rotatmg said spindle about its axis so as to turn said funnel-shaped member about its axis and to advance itin axial direction towards the end portion of said tubular wrapper so that said wires engage the end portion of said tubular wrapper and fold the same in spiral form against the end face of the roll; a pusher rod located in said hollow spindle and slidably guided therein in axial direction; and means for moving said pusher rod in axial direction independent of the movement of said funnel-shaped member for pushing a central portion of the wrapper folded against the end face of the roll into one end of the tubular mandrel, said last mentioned means including first abutment means connected to said spindle for movement therewith in axial direction, second abutment means connected to said pusher rod, spring means engaging with opposite ends thereof said first and second abutment means, respectively,

\ means for locking said second abutment means in fixed position while said first abutment means moves with said spindle in axial direction so as to stress said spring means and for releasing said second abutment means after said spindle has moved through a selected distance so that said released spring means drives said pusher rod toward the central portion of the wrapper.

8. Apparatus for folding an end :portion of a tubular wrapper of paper or similar Imaterial around a roll of material wound on a tubular mandrel against an end. face of the roll beyond which the end portion of the wrapper projects comprising, i-n combination, support means; a nut xedly mounted on said support means in substantial alignment with and spaced from one end of the roll; a threaded spindle extending through and threadin-gly engaging said nut; a funnel-shaped member arranged at one end of said spindle coaxially therewith, said spindle having an unthreaded portion extending through the small `diameter end of said funnel-shaped member, said funnel-shaped member having a maximum diameter greater than that of the roll and facing the end4 portion of the wrapper with its inner surface; a plurality of wires spirally arranged with respect to the axis of said` funnel-shaped member, eac'h connected at least one end thereto and each projecting from the connected end away from the inner surface of said funnel-shaped member; means for rotating said spindle about its axis so as to turn said funnel-shaped member about its axis and to advance it in axial direction toward the end portion of the tubular wrapper so that said wires engage ther end portion of said tubulargwrapper and fold the same in spiral form against the end face of the roll; and releaseable coupling means connecting said funnel-shaped member to said spindle in the region of said one end thereof.

9. Apparatus for folding an end portion of a tubular wrapper of paper or similar material around a rollof material wound on a tubular mandrel against an end -face of the rofll beyond which the end portion of the wrapper projects comprising, in combination, support means; a nut fixedly mounted on said support means in substantial alignment with and spaced from one end of the roll; a threaded spindle extending through and threadingly engaging said nut; a funnel-shaped member arranged at one end of said spindle coaxia-lly therewith, said spindle having an unthreaded portion extending thro-ugh the small diameter end of said funnel-shaped member, said funnel-shaped member having a maximum diameter greater than that of the roll and facing the end portion of the wrapper with its inner surface; a plurality of wires spirally arranged with respect to the axis of said` funnel-shaped member, each connected at least one end thereto and each projecting from the connected end away from the inner surface of said funnel-shaped member; means for rotating said spindle about lits axis so as to turn said funnel-shaped member about its axis and to advance `it in axial direction toward the end portion of the tubular wrapper so that said wires engage thel end portion of said tubu-lar 'wrapper an-d fold the same in spiral form against the end 4.face of the roll; and releaseable coupling means carrying said funnel-shaped member in the region of said one end of said spindle for rotation therewith and .for .movement in axial direction, said coupling means automatically releasing said funnel-shaped member when the latter is stopped by engagement with the folded end of the Wrapper so that said spindle may advance lin axial direction while said yfunnel-shaped member is stopped and so that said Unthreaded portion of said spindle may engage a central portion of said folded wrapper to push the same into an end of the hollow mandrel.

1t). Apparatus for folding an end portion of a tubular wrapper of paper or similar material around a roll of material wound on a tubular mandrel against an end iface of the roll beyond which the end lportion of the wrapper projects comprising, in combination, support means; a nut Iixed'ly mounted on said support means in substantial alignment with and spaced from one end of the roll; a t-hreaded spindle extending through and threadingly engaging said nut; a funnel-shaped member arranged at one end of said spindle coaxially therewith, said spindle having an Unthreaded portion extending through the small diameter end of said funnel-shaped member, said funnel-shaped member having a maximum -diameter greater than that of the roll and facing the end portion of the wrapper with its inner surface; a plurality of wire spirally arranged with respect to the axis of said funnel-shaped member, each connected at least one end thereto and each projecting from the connected end away from the inner surface of said funnel-shaped member; means for rotating said spindle about its axis so as to turn said `funnel-shaped member about its axis and to advance it in axial direction toward the end portion of the tubular Wrapper so that said wires engage the end portion of said tubular wrapper and fold the same in spiral form against the end face of the roll; and releasable coupling means carrying said funnel-shaped member in the region of said one end of said spindle for rotation therewith and for movement in axial direction, said coupling means automatically releasing said funnel-shaped member when the ilatter is stopped by engagement with the folded end of the Wrapper so that said spindle may advance in axial direction while said funnel-shaped member is stopped and so that said unthreaded portion of said spindle may engage a central portion of said folded wrapper to push the same into an end of the hollow mandrel, said releasable coupling means comprising two complementary nut portions encompassing the threaded spindle rearwardly of said unthreaded portion thereof, spring means for pressing said complementary nut portions against the thread of said spindle, and means connecting said funnel-shaped member to said complementary nut portions lfor rotation therewith.

11. An apparatus as set forth in claim 10, wherein said means Ifor connecting said funnel-shaped member to said complementary nut portions include a sleeve surrounding said complementary nut portions and -being operatively connected to said funnel-shaped member for carrying the same, and cooperating male and female engaging means respectively provided on said complementary nut portions and said sleeve for rotating the latter during rotation of said complementary nut portions.

12. An apparatus as set forth in claim lll, wherein said means for connecting said funnel-shaped member to said complementary nut portions include further a rst projection xed to said sleeve and a second projection fixed to the small diameter end of said funnel-shaped member and engaging said rst projection for rotating said funnelshaped member during rotation of said sleeve.

13. An apparatus as set forth in claim 12, wherein said means for connecting said funnel-shaped member to said complementary nut portion include further a hub xed to said small diameter end of said funnel-shaped member at least partly surrounding said sleeve spaced therefrom, and bearing means between said sleeve and `said hub.

14. An apparatus as set forth in claim 10, wherein said spring means are formed by a split annular leaf spring surrounding said complementary nut portions and pressing the same against the thread of said spindle.

15. An apparatus as set forth in claim 14, wherein said means for connecting said funnel-shaped member to said complementary nut portions include a sleeve surrounding said complementary nut portions and being operatively connected to said funnel-shaped member for carrying the same, and cooperating male and female engaging means respectively provided on said complementary nut portions and said sleeve for rotating the latter during rotation of said complementary nut portions, said complementary nut portions being formed at the outer surface thereof with an 4annular groove and said annular leaf spring being located in said groove.

16. An apparatus as set forth in claim 8, and including anti-friction bearing means connecting said Unthreaded portion of said spindle to the remainder thereof.

17. Apparatus for folding an end portion of a tubular wrapper of paper vor similar material around a roll of material wound on a tubular mandrel against an end face of the roll beyond which the end portion of the wrapper projects comprising, in combination, support means; a nut xedly mounted on said support means in substantial alignment with and spaced from one end of the roll; a threaded `spindle extending through and threadingly engaging said nut; a funnel-shaped member arranged at one end of said spindle coaxially therewith, said spidle having an Unthreaded portion extending through the small diameter end of said funnel-shaped member, said funnelshaped member having a maximum diameter greater than that of the roll and facing the end portion of the wrapper with its inner surface; .a plurality of wires spirally arranged with respect to the axis of .said funnel-shaped member, each connected at least one end thereto and each projecting from the connected end away from the inner surface of said funnel-shaped member; means for rotating said spindle about its `axis so as to turn said funnelshaped member about its axis and to advance it in axial direction toward the end portion of the tubular Wrapper so that said wires engage the end portion of .said tubular wrapper and fold the same in spiral form against the end face of the roll; and releasable coupling means carrying said funnel-shaped member in the region of said one end of said spindle for rotation therewith and for movement in axial direction, said coupling means automatically releasing said funnel-shaped member when the latter is stopped by engagement with the folded end of the wrapper yso that said spindle may advance in axial direction while said funnel-shaped member is stopped and so that said Unthreaded portion of said spindle may engage a central portion of said folded wrapper to push the same into an end of the hollow mandrel, said releasable coupling means comprising two complementary nut portions encompassing the threaded spindle rearwardly of said unthreaded portion thereof, `spring means for pressing said complementary nut portions against the thread of said spindle, and means connecting said funnel-shaped member to said complementary nut portions for rotation therewith in one direction while permitting rotation of said spindle through approximately one revolution in the opposite -direction without turning said funnel-shaped member.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS TRAVIS S. MCGEHEE, Primary Examiner. 

1. APPARATUS FOR FOLDING AN END PORTION OF A TUBULAR WRAPPER OF PAPER OR SIMILAR MATERIAL AROUND A ROLL OF MATERIAL AGAINST AN END FACE OF THE ROLL BEYOND WHICH THE END PORTION OF THE WRAPPER PROJECTS COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION, SUPPORT MEANS; A FUNNEL-SHAPED MEMBER MOUNTED ON SAID SUPPORT MEANS TURNABLE ABOUT IS AXIS AND MOVABLE IN AXIS DIRECTION AND ARRANGED IN AXIAL ALIGNMENT WITH THE ROLL ADJACENT THE PROJECTING END PORTION OF THE WRAPPER, SAID FUNNEL-SHAPED MEMBER HAVING A MAXIMUM DIAMETER GREATHER THAN THAT OF THE ROLL AND FACING THE END PORTION OF THE WRAPPER WITH ITS INNER SURFACE; A PLURALITY OF ENGAGING MEANS FIXEDLY CARRIED BY AND PROJECTING FROM THE INNER SURFACE OF SAID FUNNEL-SHAPED MEMBER SPIRALLY 